Roberto Mancini has played down talk of a lack of firepower ahead of the Europa League clash with Salzburg.

Adebayor could be back to face Wigan on Sunday but Balotelli will not see action before the end of October despite already having started his rehab back in Manchester.

It leaves skipper Carlos Tevez and Jo for selection in Austria and Mancini backed the Brazilian calling his a ‘technically gifted’ player who just needs a goal.

Both Tevez and Jo may benefit from the presence of World Cup winner David Silva in a changed side from the one that drew with Blackburn last weekend.

“Silva is ready to play. The problem has been a lack of time in Carrington with the team,” revealed the manager.

“He was last back from the World Cup which Spain won and then two days later away with the national team again and he has just been to Argentina and back with them.

He is a very good player but it will take a couple of months for him to come to terms with the Premier League. When he has played three, four or five games he will be fine

...Mancini on Silva

“As for Mario, he will be back in training in a month’s time and shortly after that he will be able to play.”

City will also be without Joleon Lescott in against Red Bull. He has a groin problem paving the way for Wayne Bridge to return from a broken bone in his foot.

Nigel de Jong will also return after recovering from the dead leg that kept him out against Rovers.

The Holland midfielder also backs Silver to shine brightly once the Spain star gets into his stride.

“What we see of him in training we know he is a fine player,” confirmed DeJong. “We have been very impressed. I played with him at Ajax in the Champions League I know how good he can be.

“He is a technically gifted player who just has to find his way in the Premier League. He can do wonderful things with the ball. He is a big part of the squad and a really important player for us. Salzburg will be a good step for him.”

If there is to be a surprise in the side it could be the inclusion of Dedryck Boyata with Mancini keen to give him more experience against all types of opposition.